The Kansas City Wizards pulled back a goal late, but could not equalize the match, falling to the Chicago Fire 2-1 in a game that saw two penalty kicks and exciting, up-and-down play from the outset. Argentinean midfielder Carlos Marinelli made his MLS debut, playing 45 minutes and scoring his first career goal on a penalty kick in the 90th minute.
Chicago got a first-half goal from forward Chad Barrett with forward Chris Rolfe and Kansas City's Marinelli converting second-half penalties.
The Wizards used great combination play throughout, connecting with many one and two-touch passes through the midfield but could not crack the score sheet in the opening 45 minutes.
Rookie midfielder Michael Harrington had the best opportunity of the first half for the Wizards. Harrington cut in from the right wing and fired a left-footed shot on goal from 25 yards out that was saved with a dive by Chicago goalkeeper Matt Pickens.
Kansas City goalkeeper Kevin Hartman was solid in the game, making four first-half saves including two from point blank range. Chad Barrett found himself alone inside the six-yard area but twice Hartman made saves to keep Chicago off the board.
The Fire then took the lead in the 36th minute when midfielder Chris Armas found Barrett streaking through the middle. Barrett was just onside and soon found himself alone Hartman. Barrett stutter-stepped, sending Hartman the wrong way and pushed the ball into the open net.
The Fire almost added a second goal late in the first half, but Wizards midfielder Sasha Victorine headed the ball off the goal line after a Chicago corner and flick header.
Hartman started out the second half in the same good form, sprawling to punch away a Barrett shot from distance in the 47th minute. Hartman made a season-high six saves on the night, including several strong Chicago efforts that appeared destined for the back of the net.
The Wizards nearly tied the match in the 51st minute when rookie midfielder Michael Harrington swung a cross into the penalty area for a diving Davy Arnaud after an Arnaud 40-yard diagonal run through the midfield. Arnaud connected with the ball, putting a low shot on goal but Pickens was positioned well, going down to collect the ball.
Play continued to flow back and forth between the teams, but Chicago found the game-winning goal through a penalty drawn in the 73rd minute by midfielder Ivan Guerrero. Wizards defender Nick Garcia slid to tackle the ball, but was called for a foul inside the area. Rolfe stepped to the spot and sent Hartman the other way for his first goal of the season.
Marinelli, making his debut at the start of the second half for forward Yura Movsisyan, was solid throughout his 45 minutes on the pitch. Marinelli's energy was apparent immediately as Kansas City improved the attack and found more quality chances than were available in the first half, thanks in large part to a strong defensive effort by Chicago.
Marinelli's stamp was put on the game in the 90th minute when he danced between Chicago defenders inside the penalty area and was knocked down, drawing a penalty kick. Marinelli stepped to the spot and side-footed the ball into the right-side netting for his first career MLS goal.
Kansas City dropped to 1-0-1 and sits tied for fourth place in the East with 3 points. Chicago improved to 2-0-1 and remains tied for first in the East with Red Bull New York with 7 points through three games.
The Wizards return home at midweek to kick off the 2007 home season against expansion club Toronto FC. TFC, coached by former Wizards captain Mo Johnston, is 0-2-0 thus far after losses to Chivas USA and New England. Kansas City takes on Toronto Wednesday, April 25 at 7 p.m. CT inside Arrowhead Stadium. The Wizards have several exciting activities planned for the GET CLOSE Home Opener including fireworks after the contest.
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Wizards Notables:
Defender Nick Garcia moved past former Wizards midfielder and current Chivas USA Head Coach Preki for first place on the all-time Kansas City minutes played list in the 81st minute. Garcia played all 90 in the game and now stands atop the Wizards list with 17,828 minutes played in his career.
Forward Yura Movsisyan made his second career start. His first came 6/28/06 vs. D.C. United.
Midfielder Carlos Marinelli saw his first MLS action when he replaced Movsisyan at forward to start the second half. He scored his first career goal in the 90th minute when he beat goalkeeper Matt Pickens on a penalty kick. Marinelli drew the penalty when he was knocked down after some nifty footwork inside the penalty area.
It was the Wizards first penalty kick since Jose Luis Burciaga Jr. connected against Chivas USA 10/7/06 in a 2-1 win at Arrowhead Stadium.
Forward Ryan Pore made his first MLS appearance of 2007, coming on for defender Jack Jewsbury in the 78th minute. Pore created a pair of chances after entering the game with his quickness around the penalty area.
A Wizards player scored in his MLS debut for the second straight match. Midfielder Michael Harrington scored three minutes into his MLS career last Saturday in the Wizards 4-2 win over D.C. United. The goal broke D.C. forward Jaime Moreno's record for fastest goal to begin an MLS career.
Kansas City scored its first ever goal at Toyota Park Saturday. They had previously been outscored 4-0 in two games at the new stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois.
The Wizards dropped to 7-18-4 all-time in the regular season against Chicago and 1-12-1 all-time away from Arrowhead. Chicago is now 3-0 against Kansas City at Toyota Park.
Kansas City defeated Chicago in their only postseason 1-0 in MLS Cup 2000.
The Wizards also defeated the Fire 1-0 to win the 2004 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Kansas City has not been shutout in 11 league matches. The Wizards were last held scoreless 8/16/06 at Chicago.
The Wizards have outscored their opponents 22-18 and gone 4-3-4 over that stretch.
Wizards Quotes:
DEFENDER NICK GARCIA
On become the all-time Kansas City Wizards minutes-played leader:
"When I came in eight seasons ago, I wasn't aware of the record. My time here has flown by, and this is a great honor. I strive to be out there on the field, play hard and win. With all that, the minutes just come."
HEAD COACH CURT ONALFO
On the game:
"Give credit to Chicago. They had a good game plan. Their spacing was good and they neutralized our speed. We had opportunities in the second half. and when you're on the road, you have to put those chances away."
GOALKEEPER KEVIN HARTMAN
On the Wizards team:
We have a great team, play an exciting style of soccer and look forward to next week.
MIDFIELDER DAVY ARNAUD
On the game:
It was disappointing tonight. We had our chances but didn't capitalize. We are confident we can go anywhere on the road and get points, but tonight that just didn't happen.
MIDFIELDER CARLOS MARINELLI
On his goal:
It was great to score in my debut. That's the dream of any attacking player. I've had wonderful support from my teammates, and my main goal is to get into shape and help lead this team to the playoffs.
